“Begins 11kn from Satara, traveling a short distance north before turning east into knob thorn/marula savannah. Here you can expect herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, and of course their predators – including cheetah.” - SANParks Adventure Trails pamphlet.

We, Hawk & I in our trusty Landy and friends in their Pajero, set off from our camp at Balule bright and early to be at Satara reception when the office opened. One can only confirm that it is possible to do this trail on the actual day. After paying the R460 per vehicle fee and an extra deposit of R100 for them to use should they need to come and fetch us, receiving a map with a list of do’s and don’ts, we set off on the adventure.

There was a fair amount of game along the trail – zebra, waterbuck, giraffe, impala and wildebeest. Somehow it seemed as if we managed to get ‘closer’ to the game…maybe being away from a ‘road’ and really in the bush was the reason for this. The antelope seemed to find our 4x4’s as interesting as we found them!

Lovely report, DB We have also done this trail and thoroughly enjoyed it, didn't see another vehicle, feels like you are the only people in the bush 'sigh'
Hope to do it again next month, weather permitting.

I took a GPS and still got muddled, two angels making the same mistake must mean the instructions are at fault

These trails are great fun and well worth the money.
In our case it takes the whole day as we keep going round in circles, we even stop and cook a skottel brekkie, so far we haven't had any four legged visitors join us to eat.
We hope to do all four trails again in November, weather permitting

Morning all.Have to agree with DB on the trail directions. The section in the middle with the windmill is rather confusing. I had a lengthy debate with my SO as to which way to go. We eventually flipped a coin and as luck goes we went the right way. If you are staying at Satara and speak to the reception very nicely they might let you book the night before which allows you an early start. We did and they let us, so at gate opening time we headed off to the trail. We were the only car and it was October with no chance of rain in the night or the next day. I would think in the rainy season they might not let you book the night before. We loved the trail and saw lion on it - the section close to the S100.

Translates to 'Wilderness'. Begins 11 km from Satara, traveling a short distance north before turning east into knob thorn / marula savannah. Here you can expect herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, and of course their predators –– including cheetah.

The trail is 48 km's. It cost R460,00 with a R100 deposit. You can book the trail at Satara Camp (013) 735 6306 but this can only be done the night before or on the morning. This is due to weather conditions as sometimes the trails are closed after or during some rain. These trails cannot be booked in advance.

We did it last November, it is a lovely trail and we didn't see another vehicle the whole time Some lovely picnic spots once you have had a good look around.
Don't expect it to be a test for your 4 x 4, these trails only allow 4 x 4's to protect the environment not to test what your vehicle can do We have done all four, some more than once and will definately do them again just for the feeling of being the only people in the bush.
Had some nice sightings too, especially birds.

Thanks Freda. You summed up 100% EXACTLY how KNP management see the four adventure trails. I am afraid that we have had guests that have been on the trails and thought that they didn't challenge their 4x4 driving skills enough - but we don't believe that is the purpose of a national park.

Besides Freda, is there any other forumite that has done all four trails (just out of interest sake)?

Kind regards
KNP Spokesman

Kruger National Park
110 Years of Conservation Success - Now isn't that worthy of a Celebration!

Done all four at various times of the year. TOTAL Bush is what I go for. Solitude, hardly ever see another sole or vehicle for that matter, if I happen to see someone ahead, I slow down, if someone approaches from behind, which has happened once or twice, I let them pass. Allways have brunch packed, and the necessary refreshments and beverages.

Memories of the trailsMadlabantu - getting caught in a thunderstorm whilst out on trail, believe me that's why you need 4x4.
Mananga - Wildebeest, zebra, and elephant like a small migration. Photographing a baby boomslang, extreme close ups from the vehicle.
Nonokani - never seen so many Golden Aubs in my life, getting charged by a hippo whilst trying to cross the overflow onto the dam wall en route.
Northern Plains - really big bull elephants, watching tsetsebe running into a dam and "hide" with only their noses sticking out. Sitting at a waterhole/dam, and being enveloped in a buffalo herd 800 strong.

The reason why I haven't reported on them before, I probably want to try and keep it as quiet as possible to enjoy for many years to come. Yes game viewing is generally good, depending what you are looking for, but for a Bush Junkie like myself, plenty to see and explore.

Just a quick question. Is a 4x4 a must ? Will a 2x4 with diff lock be ok ? I am going to Satara next month (September) so I guess there won't be much of a chance of rain. I would really love to do the Mananga trail.
Your answers will be greatly aprreciated.